Best dealers for service

[shepv8]

Hi all,
as the title states, Im looking for your advice on a good service dealership. I have an 06 focus. I have some long trips coming up and want to make sure its 100% as it has 105,000kms on it. Im in wollongong and the 2 dealers down here havent proven to be competent so Im looking at south sydney areas , or alternatively the ford dealer in nowra. If anyone can give me their recommendation on who does really good honest servicing on their ford id appreciate it.
Cheers in advance

[wizamc]

I can't say I have ever had any problems with my 07 Focus TDCi with Harrigan's myself, especially after 155,000kms, and from memory the 105k isn't a major service... but then again everyone has varying experiences. Have you looked at any of the independents around town????

[#Russ#Es#]

Although it is not that close to you, Sinclair Ford in Penrith are really good. Really good customer service, look after you well. I'm not that close to them either, but well worth the drive.

They are also open on Saturday mornings, but you need to book a few weeks in advance.

In terms of southern Sydney, I've been to Dominelli Ford in Kirawee a couple times - they are ok, but have heard of some people having pretty bad experiences with them.

[shepv8]

I wasnt going to bag harrigans on here, but in 7 years dealing with them I have had nothing but trouble, as have a number of people I know. Everytime I go back thinking, " this time it will be different". Just writing this is making me remember things I had forgotten about them. At least when Ron Bratten was the wollongong dealer there was a degree of competition for harrigans, but as the same dealer principal now own both its not a good thing.
There are a few good local mechanics I know but I always think that ford will have the earlier heads up on any model-specific problems, plus things such as ecu reflashes and so on.........local mechanics do the usual services but there are a few noises coming from the engine .


Sinclair ford was my first thought but I wasnt keen on driving to penrith. It may be worth it though for my peace of mind though. What about city ford?
Ive driven to sydney a lot lately trying to get car faults fixed so going to nowra would make a pleasant change

[#Russ#Es#]

Originally Posted by shepv8

I wasnt going to bag harrigans on here, but in 7 years dealing with them I have had nothing but trouble, as have a number of people I know. Everytime I go back thinking, " this time it will be different". Just writing this is making me remember things I had forgotten about them. At least when Ron Bratten was the wollongong dealer there was a degree of competition for harrigans, but as the same dealer principal now own both its not a good thing.
There are a few good local mechanics I know but I always think that ford will have the earlier heads up on any model-specific problems, plus things such as ecu reflashes and so on.........local mechanics do the usual services but there are a few noises coming from the engine .


Sinclair ford was my first thought but I wasnt keen on driving to penrith. It may be worth it though for my peace of mind though. What about city ford?
Ive driven to sydney a lot lately trying to get car faults fixed so going to nowra would make a pleasant change

Hey shep, did you end up finding a decent dealer for the service. (If you're yet to get the service done), in regards to your question about City Ford...they were a little pricey when I got a quote, although mine was for the 60k major service - they might just have a bigger markup on their parts than other dealers.

[rand0mn00b]

have been generally happy with the service provided at Thomson Ford in Parramatta

[casabonka]

ahh City Ford,
My work mate just got her 60k service on her Territory done... $935 after being told that it would be around $450.

$170 for a new battery which apparently failed their battery test!

My car is just about to hit 50k, and going on a 2500km road trip next week, so getting closer to needing a new service place for my 60k. Found a local guy in Penrith - Redback Automotive - who seem pretty good. Got my engine mount and a diagnosis done through the,!!

[groops]

Originally Posted by casabonka

ahh City Ford,
My work mate just got her 60k service on her Territory done... $935 after being told that it would be around $450.

$170 for a new battery which apparently failed their battery test!

My car is just about to hit 50k, and going on a 2500km road trip next week, so getting closer to needing a new service place for my 60k. Found a local guy in Penrith - Redback Automotive - who seem pretty good. Got my engine mount and a diagnosis done through the,!!

what price have you been quoted at 'redback automotive'? Bear in mind that is a MAJOR service...not just the regular change th oil and check how tight everything is.

[shepv8]

Originally Posted by #Russ#Es#

Hey shep, did you end up finding a decent dealer for the service. (If you're yet to get the service done), in regards to your question about City Ford...they were a little pricey when I got a quote, although mine was for the 60k major service - they might just have a bigger markup on their parts than other dealers.

Havent done it yet. There is a bridgestone tyre centre/mechanic down here which looks like it may be a decent place. Am keeping them in mind. Thanks for the replies guys, this sort of info helps everybody out.
When I take my car to a mechanics I always make a point of saying " ring me if you find anything- dont fix or replace anything without letting me know first" . This avoids nasty surprises when it comes time to pay

[MickG]

Where do folks get their Focus XR5's serviced on the Gold Coast. I am not sure I trust the dealer who services my Territory and am looking for a new dealer altogether, but XR5 needs it's first 3000k tighten up.

Thanks

[entheos]

Hey Mick. They pretty much head up to Caboolture and visit Barnesy and his Squad up there at Nova Ford. They offer great service, great pricing, and they ahvea tech there that knows the car backwards. Well worth the trip up. If you head over to www.fordxr5turbo.com and have a look at the massive positive feedback that they get from there..you'd see why people make the trip. They now service over 70 XR5's regularly!!!

[MickG]

Thanks entheos, just this minute sent an email to Barnsey asking for some info. More than happy to take my car to someone who knows what they are doing just need to factor in he drive up there.

Thanks for your help.

[entheos]